ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Special Service and Features
NSS and NYKS volunteers to remove 8 lakh kg of single-use plastic waste in Tamil Nadu
The volunteers of the National Service Scheme  and the members of the Nehru Yuvakendra Sangathan are involved in the removal of 8 lakh kilogram of single-use plastic products in Tamil Nadu as part of the nation-wide mass drive which has started from October 1 to 31.
In a joint press conference on ‘Swachch Bharat Mission 2.0’ held at the Press Information Bureau  Office, Chennai, the PIB Additional Director General Thiru M. Annadurai said that about 35 lakh tonnes of plastic waste had been generated in India every year. And of these, only 65 percent are removed, he said, adding that the residual waste had been creating adverse effects which resulted in environmental degradation.
To prevent this, ‘Swachch Bharat Mission 2.0’ is being conducted from October 1 to 31, said PIB Additional Director General Thiru M. Annadurai. “An awareness campaign is also being conducted to remove single-use plastic items from tourist places, places of worship, bus stands, railway stations, market areas etc. As part of the mass drive, plastic wastes will be removed and awareness campaign will be conducted in Tirunelveli on October 27, Coimbatore on October 29 and Chennai Koyambedu Bus Terminus on October 31,” he added.
Thiru Annadurai said that the oath taking ceremony would be held on the occasion of the National Unity Day on October 31.
While speaking, the Coordinator of the NSS, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Andaman and Nicobar Islands Dr. Samuel Chelliah said that a target had been set to remove about 8 lakh kilogram of plastic wastes in Tamil Nadu by the 4 lakh volunteers in the NSS and would be handed it over to the local bodies in the month of October.
He further stated that that more than 7,50,000 kilogram of plastic waste had been removed by these volunteers till date .
The complete eradication of the plastic waste could only be achieved through making a change in the general public’s habits, Dr Samuel Chelliah said and added that people were being made aware through street plays, dance events, polyphonic programmes etc.
Director of the Nehru Yuvakendra Sangathan, Tamil Nadu - Puducherry Thiru N S Manoranjan also spoke. The press conference was also attended by Joint Director, Press Information Bureau, Chennai, Thiru Nadeem Thufail.
Ministry of Mines
Allocations Under the PMKKKY
There is no provision for budgetary allocation from Central Government or State Governments to the Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana . The various projects taken up under Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra KalyanYojna  are funded through the funds accrued under DMFT.
Further, Section 9B of the MMDR Act,1957 prescribes the establishment of District Mineral Foundation  in any district affected by mining-related operations, the objective of which is to work for the interest and benefit of persons, and areas affected by mining related operations in such manner as prescribed by the State Governments. DMF is funded by statutory contributions received from the holders of mining leases in terms of the fixed percentage of royalty prescribed by the Central Government.
This information was given by the Minister of Coal, Mines and Parliamentary Affairs Shri Pralhad Joshi in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Finance
India, ADB sign $500 million loan to expand Metro Rail Network in Bengaluru
The Government of India and the Asian Development Bank  today signed a $500 million loan to expand the metro rail network in Bengaluru with construction of two new metro lines totaling 56 km in length.
The signatories to the agreement for Bengaluru Metro Rail Project were Mr. Rajat Kumar Mishra, Additional Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs in the Ministry of Finance who signed for the Government of India, and Mr. Takeo Konishi, Country Director of ADB’s India Resident Mission who signed for ADB.
“The new metro lines will further strengthen safe, affordable and green mobility in Bangaluru, having positive impact on enhancing quality of life, sustainable growth in urban habitat and livelihood opportunities." said Mr Mishra.
“The project supports urban transformation of Bengaluru City into a more livable and sustainable city through support to urban public transport and urban development with concepts of transit-oriented development  and multi-modal integration ,” said Mr. Konishi. “The project will bring various benefits including road de-congestion, better urban livability and environmental improvement.”
TOD-based urban development model will target realigning growth and increase the city's economic productivity by creating higher density, compact, mixed use, mixed income, safe, and resource-efficient and inclusive neighborhoods. TOD also aims to raise land values along these corridors, generating capital revenues for the state government to meet the city’s long-term investment needs. MMI will aim to provide people-oriented, environment-friendly solutions and a safe, total mobility solution for all Bangalore residents through the seamless integration of different modes of public transport.
The project will construct two new metro lines, mostly elevated, along Outer Ring Road and National Highway 44 between Central Silk Board and Kempegowda International Airport with 30 stations. This will help decongest traffic in the city area and provide seamless connectivity to the airport. The needs of vulnerable groups, such as the elderly, women, children, and differently abled persons, will be reflected on the metro facilities.
An additional $2 million technical assistance grant from ADB will help the state government formulate urban development plans and their implementing frameworks, focusing on TOD and multimodal integration. The grant will also be used to strengthen the capacity of the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited and other state agencies to implement these initiatives.
ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 68 members—49 from the region.
Ministry of Finance
IFSCA notifies International Financial Services Centres Authority  Regulations, 2020
In the Union Budget 2020, Union Minister of Finance Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman had made an announcement for setting up an International Bullion Exchange at the International Financial Services Centre in GIFT City, Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
Subsequently, the Government of India had notified the bullion spot delivery contract and bullion depository receipt  as Financial Products and related services as Financial Services under the International Financial Services Centres Authority  Act, 2019.
IFSCA has been entrusted with the responsibility of operationalization of this Exchange. In this regard, International Financial Services Centres Authority  Regulations 2020 were approved by the Authority in its meeting held on October 27,2020. The said regulations have been notified and published in the Gazette of India on December 11, 2020.
The regulations inter alia cover the Bullion Exchange, Clearing Corporation, Depository and Vaults. The regulations are divided into the 16 chapters. First half of the regulation deals with the Exchange and Clearing Corporations while the second half pertains to the Vaults and Depositories and related provisions.
The complete text of the notified regulations is available on the IFSCA website at https://ifsca.gov.in/Regulation
Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
Proactive measures to be taken to enhance financial viability of Fair Price Shops: Secretary, Food
Plan of retail selling of small LPG cylinders through FPS in the anvil
The Secretary, Department of Food and Public Distribution, Shri Sudhanshu Pandey in a video conferencing on enhancing financial viabilityof Fair Price Shops stressed on the need of taking proactive measures for the same.
Representatives from Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology , Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas , Indian Oil Corporation Limited , Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited , Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited, CSC e-Governance Services India Limited  and all States/UTs participated in the VC.
The CEO,CSC gave a presentation about the various service offerings provided by CSC. Subsequently, an update on the activities undertaken by CSC to meet and tie-up with individual State/UT governments to take this initiative forward was presented. Representatives from State/UT governments appreciated the collaboration with CSC to increase viability of FPS and mentioned that they would co-ordinate with CSC to review feasibility according to local needs and requirements.
Secretary, DFPD advised CSC to conduct separate workshops/webinars with different groups of States/UTs based on their current status to provide sensitisation on potential benefits, capacity building of FPS and to assist them in implementation of these initiatives.
Representatives from Oil Marketing Companies appreciated the proposal for retail selling of small LPG cylinders through FPS and informed that necessary support required would be provided for the same in co-ordination with interested State/UT governments.
Representative from Department of Financial Services appreciated the proposal to provide financial services through FPS, extending MUDRA loans to FPS dealers for capital augmentation and informed that necessary support would be provided for the same in coordination with interested State/UT governments.
In his concluding remarks, Secretary, DFPD mentioned that different State/UTs can take up these initiatives and tailor it to suittheir individual requirements. Secretary, DFPD also advised States/UT to conduct continuous awareness and outreach campaign simultaneously to sensitize FPS dealers on the benefits of these initiatives.
Ministry of Defence
Peace at LAC
The Informal Summit between India and People’s Republic of China held in Wuhan in April 2018, underscored the importance of maintaining peace and tranquillity on India-China border areas. To this end, both countries issued strategic guidance to their respective militaries to strengthen communication in order to build trust and mutual understanding for better anticipated response and effectiveness in the management of border affairs.
Article-IV of the Protocol signed on 11thApril, 2005 between India and China lays down modalities for the implementation of Confidence Building Measures along the Line of Actual Control.It provides that if the border personnel of both sides come in face-to-face situation due to differences on the perception of alignment of the Line of Actual Control, they shall exercise self-restraint and take following steps to avoid any further escalation of the situation:-
- Both sides shall cease their activities in the area, not advance any further, and simultaneously return to their bases.
- Both sides shall then inform their respective Headquarters and, if necessary, enter into immediate consultations through border meetings or diplomatic channels so as to prevent an escalation of the situation.
- Throughout the face-to-face situation, neither side shall use force or threaten to use force against the other.
- Both sides shall treat each other with courtesy and refrain from any provocative actions. Neither side shall put up marks or signs on the spots.
This information was given by Raksha Rajya Mantri Dr. Subhash Bhamre in a written reply to Dr. P. Venugopal in Lok Sabha today.
Nampi/DK/Rajib/HS
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Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare
International Conference on Soil and Water Resources Management for Climate Smart Agriculture and Global Food & Livelihood Security begins in New Delhi
Dr. Trilochan Mohapatra, Secretary  & Director General  inaugurated the five day-long “International Conference on Soil and Water Resources Management for Climate Smart Agriculture and Global Food and Livelihood Security” at the National Agricultural Science Centre Complex in New Delhi today. The conference is being organized jointly by the Soil Conservation Society of India in association with World Association of Soil and Water Conservation , China and International Soil Conservation Organization , U.S.A. with the objective to deliberate upon the various issues and challenges of soil and water conservation.
Highlighting the recent trends in the climate change in the country and the world as a whole, Dr. Mohapatra expressed his concerns about the degradation of soil and water resources that is a threat to productive and sustainable agriculture. He stated that the ever-rising climatic temperature is indeed a matter of great concern as it affects the human life drastically. He regarded the various human activities as main contributors to the severe climate changes. He also urged to adopt several measures to minimize the impacts of the climate change.
The Director General briefed about the Government of India’s initiatives for enhancing the food and agricultural production efficiencies in the country. He also outlined the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of doubling the farmers’ income by the Year - 2022.
The Guest of Honor, Prof. Li Rui, President, WASWAC, China applauded the ICAR’s initiative for organizing the International Conference to discuss on such relevant issues of soil and water conservation. Prof. Rui regarded the overexploitation of soil and water as one of the most serious concerns that require immediate attention.
Prof.  Suraj Bhan, President, Soil Conservation Society of India highlighted the Government’s initiative to provide safe drinking water through the pipeline to every household by creating a separate Ministry of Jal Shakti. He stressed on the huge potential for water conservation through the rain water harvesting in the country. Shri Bhan urged for judicious use of the natural resources as these are the real treasures of the planet earth.
Dr. Sanjay Arora, Convener & Vice-President, Soil Conservation Society of India and Prof. Ildefonso Pla Sentis, President, ISCO along with Dr. Samir A. el-Swaify, Coordinator, ISCO, U.S.A. were also present during the occasion.
The occasion also marked the releasing of the “Special Issue of Indian Farming by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research” and “7 Years of International Conference” and “Abstract Book of the Conference”. The dignitaries also conferred the “Soil Conservation Society of India  Awards - 2019” to various scientists and students for their contributions in the respective fields of researches. A total of 400 Delegates from 21 countries namely China, Japan, Spain and Egypt, etc., are participating in the conference.
Special Service and Features
INDIAN COAST GUARD AIR STATION COMMEMORATES 75 YEAR OF INDEPENDENCE
- To commemorate 75 year of India’s independence and celebrate the glorious history of our nation’s freedom struggle, Coast Guard Air Station, Chennai carried out a cultural event with School and College Students at Gandhi Mandapam Guindy on 12 Aug 2022. Padma Vibhushan Shri Ilayaraaja, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha was the Chief Guest for the Occasion.
More than 100 students from VELS University Chennai, Nehru Govt., Higher Secondary School and Jaigopal Garodia Govt., Girls Higher Secondary School participated.
To invoke the feeling of patriotism in the hearts of the students and everyone present and to promote awareness about the Indian National Flag, National Flags, Flag pin badges and pamphlets narrating the evolution and mark of respect to be given to Indian National Flag was distributed to the students.(
Ministry of Finance
Printing process for Union General Budget 2020-21 commences with Halwa Ceremony
(The Halwa ceremony, marking the commencement of Budget printing process for Union General Budget 2020-21, was held here in North Block today morning in the presence of the Union Finance & Corporate Affairs Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman.
Union General Budget 2020-21 is to be presented on 1st February, 2020. To maintain the secrecy of Budget, there is a “lock-in” of the officials involved in making the Budget. Budget Press, situated inside North Block, houses all officials in the period leading up to the presentation of the Union Budget. These officers and staff will come in contact with their near and dear ones only after the Budget is presented by the Union Finance Minister in Parliament.
At the Halwa Ceremony, Smt. Sitharaman was accompanied by Union Minister of State for Finance & Corporate Affairs Shri Anurag Singh Thakur; Shri Rajeev Kumar, Finance Secretary; Shri Atanu Chakraborty, Secretary, DEA; Dr A.B. Pandey, Revenue Secretary; Shri Tuhin Kanta Pandey, Secretary, DIPAM; Shri T.V. Somanathan, Secretary, Expenditure among other officers of the Ministry of Finance.
Shri P.C. Mody, Chairman, CBDT; Shri John Joseph, Chairman, CBIC; Members of CBDT & CBIC; Shri Rajat Mishra, Joint Secretary , besides others officers and staff of the Ministry of Finance, involved in the Budget preparation and printing process were also present on the occasion. Later, the Finance Minister took a round of the Press and acquainted herself about the Budget printing process.
AYUSH
AIIA kick starts its International Yoga Day 2023 celebrations
All India Institute of Ayurveda  under the Ministry of Ayush kickstarted its celebrations in the run-up to the 9th International Day of Yoga. Dr Hansa Yogendra, Director Yoga Institute, Mumbai was the Chief Guest for the curtain raiser programmes. Dr Sanjeev Sharma, Vice Chancellor NIA Jaipur and Dr C.V Jayadevan Principal, Vaidhyaratnam PS Varier Ayurved College Kerala were the Guests of Honour. Prof. Anand More, Dean P.G: Prof. Sujata Kadam, Dean Goa: Prof. Anantharaman MS, AIIA and other senior faculties members were also present at the occasion.
During the run-up to International Day of Yoga 2023, several events and activities will be organised at the Institute, including lecture series, workshops, poster-making competition, asana competition, and performance of Common Yoga Protocol at Leh and Delhi. The Yoga protocol will inspire and motivate individuals to explore the limitless possibilities of their bodies. The other activities like lecture series, workshops, etc will help participants gain a deeper understanding of Yoga and its importance in our day-to-day life.
“In today’s world gathering information is very easy, we don’t have to struggle unlike before. But do you all think that people are healthier now, the answer is no as application of knowledge is not being used. Today we don’t apply what we learn. Yoga teaches us to lead a balanced life and it should be practised daily to lead a healthy and happier life.” Said Dr. Hansa Yogendra.
Dr. Tanuja Nesari said, “Yoga Day, observed annually on June 21st, has become a global phenomenon, spreading its transformative benefits across borders. AIIA under Ministry of Ayush understands the power of yoga to enhance physical strength, mental clarity, and emotional harmony, aligning perfectly with its vision of promoting holistic health practices.”
“Yoga is the spiritual face of Ayurveda, in fact these two are the two different facets of a coin,” she added.
The lecture series will open up with a session by Renowned Antonietta Rozzi -President of Sarva Yoga International, Italy – will address the audience during a session. Dr Rozzi is the recipient of the 2019 Prime Minister's Award for outstanding contribution for promotion and development of Yoga.
AIIA believes in Integrated Research and in this context AIIA and IIT Delhi has done a collaborative research titled ‘Investigating Neural correlates of Humming bee sound during Bhramari Pranayam’. The outcome of the work has been published at Biomedical signal processing and control.
SK
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Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Nagar Van Yojana
The Pilot Scheme of Nagar Van Yojana  envisages developing 400 Nagar Vans and 200 Nagar Vatikas in the country during the period of 2020-21 to 2024-25 with an objective to significantly enhance the tree outside forests and green cover, enhancement of biodiversity and ecological benefits to the urban and peri-urban areas apart from improving quality of life of city dwellers. The total estimated cost of Nagar Van Yojana is Rs.895 crore for the period of 2020-21 to 2024-25 for implementation from the National Funds under Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority . A total of 173 projects have been sanctioned till 2021-22in 26 States including Andhra Pradesh. The State-wise details of Nagar Van projects sanctioned under Nagar Van scheme are given in Annexure. Various greening activities undertaken through Nagar Van Yojana along with other Afforestation efforts are envisaged for improving the green cover in the country.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Shri Ashwini Kumar Choubey in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Update on COVID-19 Vaccine Availability in States/UTs
More than 128 Crore vaccine doses provided to States/UTs
More than 22.45 Crore balance and unutilized vaccine doses still available with States/UTs
The Union Government is committed to accelerating the pace and expanding the scope of COVID-19 vaccination throughout the country. The new phase of universalization of COVID-19 vaccination commenced from 21st June 2021. The vaccination drive has been ramped up through availability of more vaccines, advance visibility of vaccine availability to States and UTs for enabling better planning by them, and streamlining the vaccine supply chain.
As part of the nationwide vaccination drive, Government of India has been supporting the States and UTs by providing them COVID Vaccines free of cost. In the new phase of the universalization of the COVID19 vaccination drive, the Union Government will procure and supply  75% of the vaccines being produced by the vaccinemanufacturers in the country to States and UTs.
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VACCINE DOSES
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SUPPLIED
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1,28,49,86,340
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BALANCE AVAILABLE
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22,45,63,541
More than128crore vaccine doses have been provided to States/UTs so far through Govt of India  and through direct state procurement category.
More than 22.45Cr balance and unutilized COVID Vaccine doses are still available with the States/UTs to be administered.
Ministry of Defence
Army Dental Corps celebrates 80th Raising Day
The Army Dental Corps is celebrating its 80th Raising Day today on February 01, 2021. The Corps was raised on this day in 1941.
On this occasion, Director General Dental Services & Colonel Commandant Army Dental Corps Lt General N K Sahoo laid down a wreath at the National War Memorial in New Delhi to honour the fallen heroes. In his message to the Officers and Men of the Army Dental Corps, the Director General commended and complimented them for providing great service during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. He said that the personnel of the ADC have shown exceptional commitment and courage beyond the call of duty while catering to the Oral Health Care needs of the soldiers and their families during these challenging times.
Lt General Sahoo said that it should be the endeavour of the corps to blend latest & best of contemporary technologies and treatment protocols while providing state-of-the-art treatment to the men in uniform. On this occasion a Sainik Sammelan was held and awards were given to the COVID warriors of Delhi Garrison.
Chief of the Army Staff Gen M M Naravane in his message congratulated the personnel of the Corps and praised them for providing yeoman services in war & peace and wished the ADC the very best in all future endeavours.
ABB/Nampi/KA/DK/Savvy
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